It’s Free and Open Source

Arguably this is the number one reason why WordPress is so popular. The fact that it’s easy to ultimately fully customize. When you combine this with the fact that WordPress is free, then it becomes clear why WordPress is such a fantastic proposition.

There’s A Plugin For That

Plugins have been vital to WordPress’s continued rise in popularity and adoption. There are countless plugins available to install, for almost anything you could think of. Furthermore, most WordPress plugins seamlessly run autonomously, and overall make the job of running your website that much easier.

Themes

Themes like plugins are easy to install. The key difference is that a WordPress theme would typically be used for building, styling, and editing the front end of your website, normally with ease.

Themes also share another similarity with plugins, and that is the fact that there are thousands of them to choose from too. You can browse the WordPress Theme Directory, however, do also consider that there are also premium themes too.

Global Appeal and Ease Of Use

The fact that WordPress is available in over 62 languages gives it that global appeal and reach. Moreover, it really is easy to install and use. WordPress is also supported by major web hosting companies worldwide.

WordPress.com Vs. WordPress.org

Before we begin it’s important that you first fully understand the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

The key difference between the two is who is hosting your website and essentially all of its content. If you opt to use WordPress.org, then you will be hosting your own website, and will, therefore, need to find suitable web host if you have not already. Think as WordPress.org as more of a DIY solution, which will have it’s own benefits, such as more flexibility.

WordPress.com, in contrast, is certainly less technical in terms of setup and more of an all-in-one package. For instance, you will not require third-party web hosting as WordPress will host the website for you.

For the purpose of this guide, we will be looking at WordPress.org only.

WordPress Setup

The following guide will help you to understand and navigate the core components of WordPress with ease. Let’s begin.

Choose A Web Host

Before you even download and install WordPress you should first find a suitable web host, and they are not hard to find. Just simply Google ‘WordPress Hosting’ and you will be spoilt for choice.

It’s important to note that many WordPress web hosting providers will install WordPress for you at the click of a button such as the offering from LCN.com or TSOHOST to name just two.

If you wish to you can also install WordPress manually yourself. However, if terms such as FTP unsettle you, then I would urge you not to, as this would be the more technical route. If you would like to install manually, then please refer to the WordPress manual setup guide.

The Dashboard

Now the fun begins, as you’ll now be within WordPress. Whenever you log-in you should be greeted by the dashboard as shown below.

The dashboard will present you with an overview of your website. Information displayed here will typically include news about available updates, however, you will also be able to see any draft posts and any recent comments that your visitors may have left.

Appearance

Now the magic can happen. Under ‘Appearance’ you will be able to browse and install a theme that you would like to use for building and stying your very own website.

Remember, as highlighted earlier, there are thousands of themes out there to choose from, so take your time to compare, and if selecting a premium theme then always try before you buy if possible.

Plugins

Like themes, there are countless plugins available. Below are just some examples of what plugins can do;

Protect your website from hackers and spam

Help you to learn basic SEO

Help you to create a range of contact forms

Convert abandoning website visitors into email subscribers

Improve your website speed and performance

These are just some examples, of course, the list is seemingly endless.

To add a new plugin simply select ‘Plugins’ and then ‘Add New’ from the menu as illustrated above. Moving forward you can of course, also manage existing plugins in the form of updating, deactivating, and removing via the ‘Plugins’page.

Reading

Once you’ve installed your theme then you’ll likely want to get started on your homepage. Before you do, however, there is just one last step. Navigate to ‘Settings’ followed by ‘Reading’ to set which page or post you would like to be your homepage.

Permalinks

Permalinks is another important factor which is sometimes overlooked. By default, your WordPress post and page URL’s will be rather ugly, and certainly not SEO friendly in 2019.

We would highly recommend navigating to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Permalinks’, and choosing post name, which will give you a clean URL structure.

Media

The ‘Media’ section within your WordPress dashboard is as the name suggests where all of your media will be stored, which includes, images, videos, PDF’s, and more. You can upload supported files from your computer here by simply selecting ‘Add New’.

The Media section will also allow for you to add files by including an existing link if your file already exists and is hosted elsewhere.

A bonus tip here: the WordPress media editor which can be accessed by selecting an asset in the library and then ‘Edit Image’. The editor has some features which not all folks are aware of, such as the ability to crop, resize, and scale images all within WordPress!

In summary, WordPress is a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to build your new website. With enhanced functionality in the way of plugins for almost everything and anything, coupled with themes that will allow you to create a new website using visual builders, it’s clear to see why over 32% of the internet is powered by WordPress.

Have you used our tips or built your own website using WordPress? Feel free to let us know and maybe show off your own website in the comments.

Craig, is the International Marketing Manager at 10to8, with over 10 years’ digital marketing experience.

At 10to8 Craig devises and oversees multi-channel marketing campaigns, and plays a pivotal role in growing the business. Throughout Craig’s most recent career history he’s specialised in successfully growing tech start-ups.